The bond between Piedmont and Argentina is becoming more and more solid, and this time, fencing is forging the transoceanic bridge. After the success of the first phase, the project involving the Pinerolo Fencing Academy and the city of San Francisco, Argentina, has come to life. Paolo Gay and Tommaso Merlo, instructors of the academy, have just returned from a mission that has not only met with great enthusiasm, but has also laid the foundations for an even more promising future.
A winning return between schools and institutions
For ten days, Paolo and Tommaso brought fencing to primary schools in San Francisco, involving about 600 public school children and 50 students from the Dante Alighieri bilingual private school. The objective was twofold: to make a noble sport known and, at the same time, to strengthen the link with the local Italian community. The response was overwhelming, with children and young people excited to handle foils and sabres for the first time.
The mission also had an institutional aspect of great importance. The two instructors were received by the Mayor of San Francisco, Damián Bernarte, and the highest city authorities. During the meeting, a historic announcement was made: the creation of the Asociación Civil de Esgrima San Francisco, a new sports association run by the municipality. This is a fundamental step that marks the city’s desire to invest structurally in the spread of fencing, taking it beyond the classrooms.
Commitment to the future: training and collaborations
In addition to the activity in schools, the program included training moments dedicated to a more adult audience. Paolo and Tommaso held a seminar at the Faculty of Sports Sciences (FASTA), where 80 students were able to deepen the theory and practice of fencing. An opportunity to explore new professional perspectives and to train the city’s future sports educators. The project then touched the Italian-Argentine community, with a meeting at Sandra Secci’s “Italia – Mondo” Italian school, confirming how sport is a powerful vehicle for culture and identity.
On all these occasions, the fundamental collaboration with Italea Piemonte was highlighted, whose support made it possible to carry out this ambitious project. The partnership has strengthened Italea’s mission to connect Piedmontese roots around the world.
Future prospects: the role of Italea Piemonte
The success of this second phase pushes us to look beyond, towards new developments. The enthusiasm of the San Francisco community and the determination of local institutions confirm the need for a further step forward. The next goal will be to support the training of local fencing instructors, a process that could also involve the Italian Fencing Federation and its Argentine counterpart.
Italea Piemonte will continue to be a crucial partner in this journey, ensuring that this bridge between Pinerolo and San Francisco is not just a sporting adventure, but a real project to enhance Piedmontese roots and traditions in the world. Fencing is no longer just a sport, but a symbol of a lasting bond between two lands separated by the ocean but united by heart.
What they say about us: the Argentine press talks about the project
The echo of this initiative has also resonated in the San Francisco media. Here are some articles and posts that tell about the project:
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St. Francisco.gob.ar:
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La Voz de San Justo:
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El Periódico:
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Radio Canal:
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Sports Diary:
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Social media:
